9th Month Tea...

Who knows if this stuff actually works; but if it helps at all, why not!
This tea goes by a few names: 9th Month, 37th Week, Labour Tea. All the same thing.

The tea contains different herbs that are are said to help begin contractions... an example being Red Raspberry. Another theory of the tea is that with the different ingredients in it, it helps thin the cervix (therefore also aiding in contractions beginning), and can therefore help in a quicker and possibly easier labour. I am definitely all for the latter! And the first for that matter.

I drank the tea a couple of times daily at the end of my first two pregnancies...and so here I am again. Why not, right!?
Both kids were a few days early...Si's labour once she decided to make her appearance was very short.

Really who knows if anything REALLY helps induce labour or not. There is a long list of things that some say "put them into labour."

I must say, I do most of the things on the list...and not just to "induce" but because they seem to be everyday happenings around our house.

Stay Active- yep
Walk and keep moving- impossible not to with our kids!
Vacuum- check
Spicy Foods- have started adding chili flakes to dinner!
Sex- sorry, that's a little personal to be sharing here ;-)

These in "theory" have been reported to help. There are many other items on the list. But again, who is to say what works and IF any even do at all!

For now, I am going to finish my cup of tea, take the kids outside to play..and then enjoy an evening with some great ladies... Moms Club Night!



 

My Bumps Through Three...

All of our images were captured around the same time. 34 weeks pregnant.
I am in the midst of completing a photobook on my pregnancies along with a book for each baby.

I was comparing some Maternity shots. Here are a few of my favorites.
We are still waiting upon most of ours from our shoot the other week, but I have one for now.
I find them all SO different, and yet I LOVE each in their own way.

1st Pregnancy- Kai

2nd Pregnancy- Si

3rd Pregnancy- ???

Amazing how different each pregnancy is.
In feelings.
In looks.
In mind.

"A moment in my tummy... a lifetime in my heart."~ Unknown

Date Night!...

"Be ready for 6:00."
"Sitter taken care of."

Two of the best texts I have gotten in a long time! Ryan has planned a date night. Not only is a date night much needed...the spontaneity of it, and him organizing all facets of it, make it all THAT MUCH MORE AMAZING!

Yay to Friday Night Date Night. The perfect way to start a weekend. Quiet time with my love.

Do you and your husband/partner do date nights? If so, how often do you try and do them?
If not...why not?

Ryan and I used to have a scheduled sitter once a week, Wednesday nights were our set Date Night. Sometimes it was dinner, sometimes a movie, sometimes a bike ride or a run. Really it was all over the map...but it was our night. For whatever reason, we lost that night. Time getting in the way...or lack there of. And yet, it is probably the most important thing that we gave up! After this baby enters our world...I am re-instating date night!
It is a night all about you and your partner. No kids. No TVs. No obligations or things to get distracted by. Just the presence of one another.

What doesn't sound great about that. And why the h**l did we loose it!?

It doesn't have to resemble THIS...



OR EVEN THIS

Date night is what you make of it!

Although, I could take a little of this right about now...


;-)

Looking forward to tonight!

Friday "Fun-day"... (Contest)

Like I mentioned the other day...I have a Giveaway coming up! And now is the time to announce it!

It is a great prize, and perfect for this time of year as it can help you make some pretty awesome gifts just in time for the Holidays!

MyMemories.com asked me to do a product review... and in return, myself and 1 lucky reader, will receive FREE SOFTWARE for their program!
It is a download-able program, so it is literally in your hands the day your name gets announced... no mail, no waiting!

MyMemories is a type of digital scrapbooking software.
To be honest, I am not a big "scrapbook-er" but this is something completely different. It gives you the feel of a scrapbook without the time and hassle of cutting, pasting, finding the cute scrapbook accessories etc... You can take design completely into your own hands and design pages from scratch, or you can choose a pre-fab design from one of the 100's of designs they offer...and it becomes as simple as a drag and drop for your photos to the scrapbook pages.

I love the layout of the MyMemories software. It is VERY easy to use; Yet, I get the sense it can be quite intricate if you choose it to be by customizing ALL of your own options. Really that is up to you! If you aren't wanting to build an entire book, you can build by the pages and save them as individuals as well. With the pages, you can print them, email them or even share them in a blog post! Below is a VERY beginner level page that I quickly made as I was exploring what the scrapbooking software had to offer.

The pages look so nice on their own as well as in a book. A fun gift idea...my thoughts, Christmas!

MyMemories has many easy ways to learn how to use their products and all that they have to offer!
Check out this video on YouTube. You will be blown away by all that this software can do.
DVDs with music, books, cards, calenders...honestly the list goes on.



I have been using a different photo book software in the past to build our memory books; I am excited for the change and all that MyMemories has to offer.

For more help and examples of MyMemories, check out their site by clicking the links throughout, or like them on Facebook...or again, check them out on YouTube!

Okay so the CONTEST!!

The details and how you can be the winner of this AMAZING PRIZE!!

- Contest winner will be drawn one week from today. Friday October 28, 2011.

To Enter... like While They Are Sleeping on facebook and make a comment (either on FB or on the blog comments) as to what you think of photobooks and/or what you would like to use it for!

BONUS ENTRIES: Want more ways to enter? After you've answered the question above, you can do any of the below. Each comment counts as one extra entry.

- Refer a friend by having them like us on Facebook (have them note who sent them)
- Vote for While They Are Sleeping on Topmommyblogs (just click the link on bottom of this post!)

- Like MyMemories on Facebook!
- Register your vote for my bump...boy or girl!? On ExpectNet


Contest winner will be drawn by random.org and announced next Friday October 28, 2011.
Good luck!!


ANOTHER FREEBIE and DISCOUNT!

If you cant wait for the contest draw, or want to get started sooner than later...or you don't win the contest, there is still another way you can receive this great Software at a discounted rate!

Just visit MyMemories, and use the PROMO code : STMMMS70467
This code offers my readers $10 discount off the purchase price of My Memories Suite Scrapbook Software AND  a $10 coupon for the myMemories.com store.
A great deal!
This code remains valid after the contest as well...so just be sure to use my code for additional savings!


PROMO CODE: STMMMS70467

No rest for the weary... but for the pregnant, yes please!

Creeping on 37 weeks. The week that marks the ability of being "any day." A week that stands for full term, before the actual due date arrives.

I'm not gonna lie...lately I haven't been feeling the best. Aside from wanting this little being out of me and into our arms, I have been getting slightly more uncomfortable as the days progress.
Funny how being active, smaller weight gains and keeping busy don't always keep your body (and baby) happy.

My sciatic pain left a long time ago. It is slightly back now that baby is moving on down. I had a doctors appointment today. Baby is head down, not engaged however...and I am dilated 1.5cm. Really, that means next to nothing as you can literally walk around this way for weeks to come.
I was relieved to have my appointment today however, to settle some nerves, and mind!

Last night was the worst night I have had. After two pregnancies...this third has brought an entirely new set of symptoms along with it. I guess this baby doesn't want to be left out!
I have been having mild swelling, major headaches and some shortness of breathe. With these feelings increasing before bed last night, my mind would not rest; which made for a night of little sleep. The doctor assured me all is fine; so here is to a restful night tonight!

Aside from the usual aches and pains at this point in the game, the Doctor says to rest.
Right. Rest.

Two problems here.
1) I am a Scorpio...i don't know if we know how to rest!
2) I am a married mother of 2 toddlers, a career, a dog, a house and a baby inside of me that wont stay still.

Likelihood of rest...slim to none. But I will try.

Anyways. An update for the "journal" of baby number three... when will we be meeting you?

~Last Sunday @ 36 weeks~

"Now I run from the noise. And I run for myself."- ModernMom

I was reading this article today and found it another one to link to.
Everyone has their own reasons to exercise; to run; and for some, to do neither. For me, being healthy is something I take pride in. It makes me feel good. It gives me energy. And with two, almost three, kids...it is my time, my sanity!


I loved this quote the author wrote in the article "Now I run from the noise. And I run for myself." 
They are words that I can definitely relate to.
I tend to run with music...but there are definitely the days that the sound of my breath and feet hitting pavement outweigh any other sound.


I cant wait to get back.

Mommy On The Run

Sexy Back...

I came across this article today, and well, it seemed fitting!

Husbands: How To Make Your Wife Feel Sexy After Baby (click on title)

Everyones' circumstance and position (no pun intended) on this topic are different as per work and family life I am sure. But for us being on our third baby...I know what is to come in the sleep department for the next while.

When Kai was born, being our first, neither Ryan or I knew what was ahead. Long sleepless nights. Lots of little sounds...and many sleep interruptions.
Ryan, being a light sleeper, had to move to a blow-up bed in our second bedroom apartment in order to sleep and work the next day. I slowly adapted to the new sleep arrangements and got used to the sounds Kai made...and eventually was able to sleep with him in the room.  A few months later, Kai returned to his own room and crib, and Ryan to our bed.

Knowing what was to come the second time around was a little easier to handle. The first time was rough on us as a part of our husband and wife connection was re-moved and I definitely felt a lack of bond and connection for a while. A little, alone. Having a baby is an amazing and scary thing. Funny how something so wonderful can also be the most scary thing you have ever done. Kids definitely change every facet in your life...and your marriage is one that takes its toll as well. Marriage takes work: and kids put it to the test! When you are used to it just being the two of you...suddenly someone else takes the front position.

I knew for round two, I didn't want to be "separated" from Ryan for as long, and therefore Si was moved from bassinet to her own crib a lot faster.

Third time round, and I am feeling no different. At least this time we have a spare room and actual bed for Ryan to enjoy! My intentions are for the baby to be in it's own room as soon as the time permits. Hopefully I wont be missing my partner in our shared bed for too long!

All this talk on sleep and beds brings me to the topic of the article. Not sleeping in the same bed (let alone the same room!) with my partner, missing a certain connection and feeling of support obviously all have significant outcomes on the way a wife, in my circumstance, me, feels after having a baby. It is the little things that make a huge difference in the life of a new mom; and when those gestures are coming from her husband...for me, they made me feel as if he was still trying and always present.
I am fortunate for the man I am married to. He is an amazing dad and supportive husband. Although this is our third, I recognize that we are never fully in the know as to what is ahead, but am thankful that we know how to help alleviate some of life's pressures and stresses for one another. I know that he will be there for me and our kids as best as he can; and I hope he knows that I will, and do, do my best to do the same for him.

I definitely do not feel like the most sexiest person these days, but am very lucky I have a husband that thinks his wife is attractive when pregnant...and when not. But lets face it...for a man to look at his wife in the same way after labor and childbirth, likely changes. Especially if that man were one to have been south of the equator watching their bundle of joy enter the world...
Just saying.
And for the woman...having something the size of a watermelon appear from a lemon...well, likely her thoughts for a good while are "ouch" or maybe, "not a chance."
It takes some time...and it takes some work. Patience, love and support by all parties.

Back to the little things...feeling wanted, acknowledged, loved and supported make everyone feel sexy, not just the wife after baby, right!?

And if you husbands want to take the sexiness one step further...



What is more sexy than a man doing the laundry, vacuuming, changing the diapers...
;-)

A weekend filled with Moments Captured...

This past weekend was a busy one! Work was busy. Kids were busy. Life was, busy!

Ryan and I were definitely feeling the effects of it; Not feeling too connected, and in general, a little run down. I think it is time for a much needed date night...before this baby comes!

On the fun side of the weekend, I captured some pretty great photo's with some great families! The sun was shining too... couldn't have asked for better weather!
Now to edit... here is a sneak peak ;)

Before I get back to work mode, one last note...I have an amazing GIVEAWAY coming up this week! Stay tuned for the announcement and how you can enter the draw. I have to review the product first, to ensure my readers will be happy...I am excited! It is a great one for this time of year :)

Keep you posted!

Now off to edit...play with the kids...then pre-natal yoga :)

Happy Monday!

Time...

Yes, I am referencing time again and how fast it goes! I cant slow down life and have so much to do and so many things I want to do and there are not enough hours in the day!
I am missing not having the time and/or energy (at night) to blog more. It is such a great outlet for me... and a journal for my kids in a sense, and not getting to it often starts to bug me!

Last weekend was Thanksgiving here in Canada. We went to Whistler for the weekend and carried on traditions that we started once Kai was born. We have our turkey dinner up there with Ryan's parents one night, and then on the nicer of the days, we head to North Arm Farms in Pemberton for a day at the "farm" and pumpkin patch! So far we have lucked out with weather, and this year was no exception. Sunshine and pumpkin patch picking; the day was successful and fun!

Here are a few pictures.

After the weekend in Whistler, we headed home to cook a Turkey Dinner of our own. We had my dad and girlfriend over along with my sister. It was a nice evening...and apparently they said, the best turkey they ever had! I'm thinking they felt they had to say that otherwise, pregnant woman and hormones may have been too much to handle!

Being away that weekend, we had Turkey dinner the weekend prior with my mom. She is new to turkey cooking...we think her second ever, and it was great! Needless to say, 3 turkey dinners and some left overs...we have had our turkey fix for a while!
I guess I caught up on some needed baby weight gain over that weekend alone!

Now, the turkey in my oven is cooked...time to come meet the world!
Less than a month!!

Haircuts...

Yesterday was haircut day. Kai's hair was getting so long it was almost ponytail-able; and Si's was constantly in her eyes.
We cut Kai's hair a little shorter this time as he seems to have my hair, the type that grows really fast!
I don't know what it is, but whenever we leave the hairdresser his hair always looks so cute...and then for a couple days after that, it tends to look a little "botched" shall I say. It is now in need of a little growing and then I am sure the shaggy look will fill in a little more.

Si has some curls in the back of her hair that are slowly pulling longer and a little straighter. So because of the curls, she never really needed a haircut. This was her FIRST HAIRCUT! She got a little trim at the back, and then her bangs were cut so she could see.
Her bangs naturally tend to sway to the side, and yesterday, leaving the hairdresser, like Kai, her hair looked so cute...
Today, a little "botched." Like to the point that I wonder if I should have just cut them myself! Hopefully the bangs begin to fall a little better and grow a little faster!

I tried to take a few photos, but both were not very camera-friendly yesterday. Here are two I captured of Si with my phone to commemorate her first haircut.

Nesting Sale...

My nesting is in full swing and last night I was able to sort thru and organize all of the good clothes we have that need some new homes. Holy crap did our Tupperware under the house and kids closets empty out!

Not only do we have boys and girls clothes... we have an assortment from newborn up to 3T. Some things were never even worn before outgrown! This is madness and we need to get rid of it all before it drives my crazy.

Along with the kids clothes, there is an assortment of woman's clothes from Maternity thru sizes S-L. A HUGE array...and there is even some good men's stuff.

So on top of the clothing, we have some random items to lighten from our load as well...

A "Cars" training wheel bike...

Similar to this one

Some kids toys...

A carpet, a shelving unit etc...

SO....... GARAGE SALE! Since this is the long weekend, I think we will set it for next Saturday morning. Details to be confirmed.

Being pregnant can have some serious advantages on the household front...organization!

The Lion King!...

Yesterday the Lion King was re-released and I was off to the store to buy it to enjoy with the kids. I loved this movie when I was younger! What wasn't to love. Cute story, great songs...and JTT.

JTT (Jonathan Taylor Thomas) was one of my childhood crush celebrities. Watched Home Improvement because of him; enjoyed his voice as baby Simba on the Lion King. Oh how this movie takes me back a few years! I wonder what ever happened to him...he hasn't been around in quite some time. His hair makes me think he was the Justin Bieber of his time, lol.

Anyways...back to the movie. The kids loved it! I made popcorn and we sat and watched it after naps yesterday. They both danced to the music, laughed at Pumba and Timon...a great afternoon!

I highly recommend a recommend a re-watch to take you back a few years and enjoy a fun, feel-good movie.

They each had a different favorite song preference.

Baby/Belly Advice...

Why is it that when you are pregnant everyone feels like they can offer you advice?
Its a strange phenomenon...along with the fact that most people feel it is okay to touch your belly.
I am NOT OKAY WITH THIS.
Not only do I not like when people I do not know attempting the belly touch, I only allow those I do know to touch occasionally. I may be weird about this, but this is still my body and you are invading my space.

Tell me I am not alone on this one!

Another article I came across.

14 Most Outdated Pieces of Baby Advice

This is why listening to others isn't always the best way to go. Do your own research.

I was at the gym the other day and the cleaning lady there asked me how I could be exercising as baby is jumping up and down. I should be "sitting still." She proceeded to call out to my baby belly as she left the room "it's okay baby!" Nut job, I think yes. Unsolicited advice.

My rant for the day :)

Happy Tuesday! Off to make popcorn, watch the Lion King with my kids...and "sit still" so that baby belly doesn't bounce around. ;)